Fish Oil (Omega-3 EPA; DHA Fatty Acids)

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Treatment Type: Herbal and Nutritional Supplements

Caregiver: Do it Yourself

Fish Oil is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acid, one of the primary types of essential fatty acids (EFA's). Essential fatty acids are considered "essential" because they are the main structural components of the body's cell membranes, but cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Western diets are usually deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids however, and contain too many Omega-6 fatty acids (the other main type of EFA). The ratio of Omega-6's to Omega-3's in the Western diet is believed to be as high as 14:1 (14 grams of Omega 6's for every gram of Omega-3's), whereas a ration of no more than 3:1 is recommended. Excessive amounts of Omega-6 EFA's are believed to promote the development of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Saturated fats and vegetable oils like corn, soy, safflower and sunflower oil are high in Omega-6 fatty acids, and interfere which the body's ability to utilize Omega-3 EFA's.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been found to help wound healing, which is why Omega-3 supplements, and a diet of Omega-3 rich foods, might be beneficial for dog skin disorders.